Alcohol Basics
What type of substance is alcohol classified as?
What is a central nervous system depressant.
What is the most common early symptom of alcohol withdrawal?
Tremors (or shaky hands)
What is a life-threatening condition associated with severe alcohol withdrawal?
What is Delirium Tremens (DTs) ?
What type of precautions should you implement for a patient with a history of alcohol withdrawal seizures?
What are seizure precautions?
What class of medication is most commonly used for managing alcohol withdrawal?
What are Benzodiazepines?
What is considered "binge drinking" for men?
5 or more drinks in about 2 hours.
When do alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically begin after the last drink?
What is 6–12 hours?
What neurological disorder can result from thiamine deficiency due to alcoholism?
What is Wernicke’s encephalopathy?
What kind of environment is best for a patient going through alcohol withdrawal?
What is calm, quiet, and low-stimulation environment.
Which benzodiazepine is commonly used for alcohol withdrawal and is safe for patients with liver impairment?
What is Lorazepam?
Name two long-term effects of chronic alcohol use.
What is Liver cirrhosis, cognitive impairment, pancreatitis, cardiomyopathy
What is the name of the tool nurses use to assess the severity of alcohol withdrawal?
What is CIWA-Ar (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol scale)?
What serious complication can result from combining alcohol and benzodiazepines?
What is Respiratory depression?
Why is IV hydration important in alcohol withdrawal?
What is to correct dehydration and support metabolic needs.
Why must thiamine be given before administering IV glucose?
Giving glucose first can precipitate Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
What vitamin deficiency is most commonly associated with chronic alcohol use?
What is Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency.
What type of hallucinations are most common during withdrawal?
What are Visual hallucinations
Chronic alcohol use can lead to what irreversible brain disorder?
What is Korsakoff's syndrome?
How often should vital signs be monitored in a patient with moderate-to-severe withdrawal?
What is every 15 minutes to every 2 hours?
What is the purpose of using the CIWA-Ar score in medication administration?
It guides benzodiazepine dosing based on symptom severity.
What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving in most U.S. states?
What is 0.08%
Name 3 hallmark signs of Delirium Tremens?
What is severe confusion, agitation, hallucinations, fever, hypertension, and seizures
Which two electrolyte imbalances are most commonly associated with alcohol withdrawal seizures?
What is Hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia?
Describe two nursing interventions to prevent Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
Administer thiamine before glucose and monitor neurologic status closely.
Name one medication used to support long-term alcohol recovery and how it works.
Disulfiram – causes unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed (aversion therapy).
Naltrexone – reduces cravings
Acamprosate – stabilizes chemical balance.